Conveyer



4 12 no. 3.172.199 Search Room March 27, 1945. P. M. HASSLER 2,372,199

CONVEYER Filed Oct. 21, 1939 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 588MB K00 was. L'UNVEYERS POWER omvm March 27, 1945.

P. M. HASSLER CONVEYER Filed Oct. 21, 1939 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 3 QM J m mo. uuwvcrcm VUWLK 595m ROUW DRIVEN March -27, 1945. R M, HASSL R 2,372,199

CONVEYER Filed Oct. 21, 1939 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 4 'IIIIIIII/A'IIIA 'IIIIM //e DRIVEN Patented Mar. 27, 1945 CONVEYER Paul M. Hassler,

Batavia, IlL,

assignor to Richards Wilcox Manufacturing Company, Aurora, 111., a corporation of Illinois Application October 21, 1939, Serial No. 300,545

25 Claims.

The present invention relates to conveyers of the endless chain type, adapted to travel along a supporting or guide track. The conveyer is made up of a series of wheeled links disposed in spaced relation and coupled together by intervening connecting links so as to form a continuous chain, the alternate wheeled links being the load conveying elements to which the individual load units are attached.

One of the objects of the invention is to provide a conveyer in which the chain has improved flexibility in both horizontal and vertical directions. This is preferably obtained by an improved construction of Joint between the vertically wheeled links and the horizontal connecting links, such joint permitting the links to turn horizontally, vertically, or in both directions at the same time.

Another object of the invention is to provide such a chain conveyer which is capable of passing,

around curves of extremely short radius, either horizontally or vertically without the use of sprockets, rollers, or guide elements other than the track.

Another object of the invention is to provide such a chain conveyer in which there can be relative longitudinal movement between the individual wheeled links endwise of the track, so that difierent portions of the chain can assume different efiective lengths to accommodate different driving conditions.

Another object of the invention is to provide such a conveyer in which the chain elements consisting of the wheeled links coupled together with wheels alternately vertical and horizontal travel entirely within an enclosed or box-like type of supporting track. All of the elements of the conveyer chain are enclosed within the track except the load attachment member which may extend to either side, upwardly or downwardly through a longitudinal slot in one of the four walls of the track. The enclosing of the chain elements entirely within this type of track affords numerous advantages, such as an improved appearance. protection from dust and dirt, a minimum possibility of any material becoming entangled in the chain, and a minimum possibility of an operators hand or any part of his person becoming caught in the chain.

Another object of the invention is to provide a conveyer in which a box-like type of supporting track may be readily adapted to accommodate the conveyer chain in an overhead horizontal position or the supporting track may be inverted and secured to a floor surface to provide a floor of a chain conveyer whereby it may be readily assembled or taken apart, but yet cannot come apart when the chain conveyer is positioned within the supporting track.

Another object of the invention is to provide novel load attachment members that are suitable for various types of loads to be transported by the conveyer. i

Other objects, advantages, and features of the invention will be apparent from the following detail description of one preferred embodiment thereof. In the accompanying drawings illustrating such embodiment:

Figure 1 is a vertical longitudinal sectional view through the track, showing the chain conveyer in side elevation;

Figures 2 and 3 are horizontal and vertical sectional views on a smaller scale, Figure 2 illustrating the relation of the parts in the travel of the conveyer around a horizontal curve, and Figure 3 illustrating the relation of the parts in the travel of the conveyer around a vertical curve;

Figure. 4 is a transverse vertical sectional view taken approximately on the plane of the line 44- of Figure 1;

Figure 5 is a similar sectional view taken approximately on the plane of the line 5-5 of Figure 1;

Figure 6 is a horizontal sectional view taken approximately on the plane of the line 6-6 of Figure 1;

Figure '7 is a vertical longitudinal sectional view taken approximately on the plane of the line of Figure 4;

' Figure 8 is a detail view of one of the side plates of each of one series of wheeled links;

Figures 9 to 12, inclusive, are detail sectional views showing the supporting track in inverted position with'modified forms of load-engaging members mounted thereon;

Figure 13 is a section taken approximately on the line l3l3 of Figure 10;

Figure 14 is a. detail sectional view of the supporting track positioned on one side thereof with the load-engaging member of Figure Figure is a detail section of the supporting track, showing a modified form of wheeled link and connecting link;

Figure 16 is a section on line |6l6 of Figure 15: and

Figure 17 is a side elevational view of a modified form of wheeled link member and part of a connecting link showing the position of each part when they are to be assembled or taken apart.

The supporting track H is preferably of boxshaped cross section, as best shown in Figures 4 and 5, with the slotted wall at the bottom of the track although it may be at the top or in either side depending upon the relative position of the conveyer and the article to be conveyed, as illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, the track comprising the top wall H a, the vertical side walls I I b, and

the inwardly extending bottom walls or flanges Ho. The latter define load supporting runways on opposite sides of the centrally disposed slot l2 which extends longitudinally of the bottom of the track. Downwardly extending marginal flanges lld may be formed along the opposite sides of the slot, although these flanges are not essential. This construction of track is relatively inexpensive to make from sheet metal stock. The finished track sections may be supplied in any appropriate lengths, either in straight sections, or

in sections curved horizontally to the right or to the left, orinsections curved vertically either upwardly or downwardly. The sections are secured to the building structure by brackets. hangers, or in any suitable manner, and the abutting ends of the sections are secured together by suitable joint brackets.

The entire conveyer chain is made up of an alternating series of identical links I4 and identical connecting links l5. One series are of the twowheel type. each comprising two laterally spaced wheels l6 which ride upon the bottom runways N0 of the supporting track. Each link member l5 carries a horizontally disposed guide roller H which is of a diameter only slightl smaller than the inside width of the track ll, so that this roller is adapted to have rolling contact with the side walls llb of the track.

The frame structure of each link member I comprises two laterally disposed side plates IS. The two plates are identical. each comprising a main central a erture 2| for the wheel axle, a lower a erture 22 for the transverse pendant pin, a circular aperture 23 in one of the end ears,

and a rectangular aperture 24 in tl"e other end ear (see Figure 8). The two side plates are assembled over the ends of the axle 26, which pass s through the holes 2|, and over the ends of the pendant or hanger pin 21, which passes through the lower holes 22. As shown in Figures 4 and 6, the axle 26 comprises the enlarged central portion 26 which forms shoulders against which the frame plates l9 abut in the assembled relation of t e chain link parts. Similarly. the hanger pin 21 has an enlarged central portion 21 which forms shoulders against which the plates l9 abut. The reduced extremities of this hanger pin are riveted over on the outer sides of the plates is to secure the parts rigidly together.

Following the mounting of the side plates IS on the axle and on the hanger pin and the riveting over of t e ends of the hanger pin, the wheels l6 are mounted on the projecting outer ends of the axle 28. These wheels are preferably of duplicate construction, consisting principally of sheet metal stampings. An outer stamping 16a is formed with the inwardly bent tread or rim portion of the wheel. An inner stamping lib is secured to the outer stamping by the rivets 160, the inner peripheral portions of these two stampings being flared or sloped away from each other to form the outer annular race .for a series of anti-friction balls 28. The inner race for these balls consists of a bushing or sleeve 29 having an annular external groove in which the balls run. In the assembly of this wheel structure, the balls are spaced around the central hub member 29, and the two wheel sections Mia and ISb are assembled over the ring of balls, following which the two wheel sections are rigidly joined together by the rivets IGc. Thereafter, the central hub member, the balls, and the two wheel sections remain as a permanently assembled unit. One of these units is slipped over each end of the axle 26 on the outer side of the adjacent side plate l9, following which the extremity of the axle is riveted or peened over on the outer side of the central hub member 29 to permanently secure the el assembly to the link structure. A washer ay be interposed between each central hub member 29 and the side plate l9, or the hub member may be made sufiiciently wide to space the rotatable portion of the wheel from said side plate.

The individual load units are attached to the conveyer chain through the medium of attachment links 34 which depend from the transverse hanger pins 21 of the links and extend down through the slot l2 in the bottom of the track ll.

35 One of the features of the invention resides in 9 this easily detachable connection, each hanger is made up of two duplicate straps or bars 34a and 34b (Figure 4) which are connected together for relative oscillatory movement about a pivot pin 35 passing through both sections. The two attachment sections have outwardly offset upper ends 360. and 36b assembled in opposing relation, in each of which upper ends is formed an arcuate slot 31a and 31b respectively. These slots lead in from one edg of each attachment section, the slots being curved substantially concentrically of the pivot pin 35 and having rounded inner ends. By virtue of the reversed assembly of the two attachment sections, back to back, the slot 31a extends inwardly from the right hand edge of the front attactment section 34a (as viewed in Figure 7) and the slot 31b extends inwardly from the left hand edge of the back attachment section 34b. Hence, by merely swinging the two attachment sections through an opening angle around the pivot 35, as one would open a pair of pliers or scissors, the slotted upper ends or jaws of the attachment may be moved outwardly to positions clearing the opposite sides of the attachment pin 21, so that upon then closing the attachment sections the slotted ends will move inwardly and embrace the attachment pin from opposite sides. When thus hooked over the pin 21 the attachment link 34 is free to swing fore and aft relatively to the link frame, so that the attachment link and load will hang substantially pendant even while the conveyerchain is traveling through a vertically curved portion of the track II, as shown in Figure 3. The lower ends of the attachment sections have outwardly offset portions 38a and 381; which have aligned apertures 39 adapted to receive the cross bolt 4|. The placing of this bolt locks the slotted upper ends of the attachment sections from relative opening movement so that there is no possibility of the attachment becoming accidentally disconnected from the chair conveyer. The load may establish connection with the attachment by engaging over the bolt 4| at a point between the laterally separated upper ends 38a and 38b of the attachment sections. The laterally separated upper ends 36a and 36b of the attachment sections have a relatively snug fit between the side plates I9, IQ of the trolley fram so that the attachment link cannot have a wide range of sidewise swinging movement relatively to the chain conveyer. This construction eliminates the possibility of the attachment link swinging into and out of contact with the depending lower flanges |d of the track and thereby causing noise and wear. The ability to connect and disconnect the attachments 34 without removing the conveyer chain from the track is of material advantage because it enables the spacing of the attachments to be varied, as from every attachment pin 21 to every other attachment pin or every third attachment pin; also,

because it enables attachments of different lengths to be readily substituted; and also because it enables different styles of attachments to be substituted for sustaining different types of loads. ments may be constructed with the relatively oscillatable slotted upper ends for engaging over the transverse attachment pins 21.

The connecting links which serve to connect the links M are each constructed approximately in the form of a chain link of closed configuration, comprising parallel top and bottom portions |5a and I5b, joined by the curved end portions I50. The horizontally disposed guide wheel H, which is carried by each of these connecting link members, is rotatably mounted between the top and bottom portions of the link on a, pivot pin 44 which passes downwardly through said top and bottom portions. The upper end of the pin has a head 45 which bears against the top of the link structure, and the lower end of the pin is apertured for receiving a cotter pin 45 which prevents upward displacement of the pivot pin. As best shown in Figure 2, the head 45 of each pivot pin 44 is formed with a small notch or scarf 41 in one side. which is adapted to drop down over a rib or lug 48 which projects upwardly from the cast body of the connecting link l5, this arrangement preventing rotation of the pin 44 relatively to the link structure, so as to assure that all relative rotation will occur between the hub 49 of the guide wheel and the shank of the pin 44. The ends of the hub or boss 49 project beyond the sides of the guide wheel I! to maintain the periphera edges on the wheel spaced from engagement with the link structure.

The end loo portions |5c of each alternate link extend into the space between the side plates l9, H of the at .Iacent link units l4, and establish pivotal connection with said adjacent link units through coupling sleeves 5| which engage within the end coupling portions |5c of the link units and which are rotatably mounted on transverse pivot pins 52 extending through the side plates l9. IQ of the link units. Each pivot pin 52 passes throu h the round hole 23 and through the rectangular hole 24 formed in the side plates IS, IS, the two plates being assembled in reversed relation in each wheel axle structure so that the rectangular opening 24 of each plate is directly op- These different types or styles of attachposite the round opening 28 in the other plate. That portion of the pin 52 adjacent to the end head 53 has a circular shank for engaging in the hole 23, whereas the opposite end portion of the pin has splayed or flattened sides 54 for engaging non-rotatively in the rectangular hole 24, thereby insuring that all turning movement of the coupling sleeve or roller 5| will occur on the long bearing surface of the pin 52. A cotter pin 55 extends through an aperture in the end of the pivot pin 52 for preventing accidental displacement of the pivot pin.

As best shown in Figure 6, the coupling roller 5| has a surface of revolution .1: of curved hourglass, hypocycloid or like configuration, and the coupling loop portion |5c of the link member has a curved inner surface y which contacts with the curved surface I. The surface 2 is preferably formed on a substantially larger radius than the surface y. It will be evident that the two surfaces x and y establish approximately a point contact with each other which permits relatively swiveling movement between the link I4 and link I5 in the horizontal plane. the link l4 and link |5 in the horizontal plane. in the vertical plane and in all intermediate planes. The parts are so proportioned that this rolling and rocking point contact permits some relative axial or longitudinal twisting movement between each link unit and the adjacent connecting link units along the length of the chain for facilitating travel of the chain around curves.

Attention is also directed to the fact that the two portions I50 and 5| which establish this universal coupling connection are also capable of such relative shifting or endwise movement as to permit the link unit l4 and the link unit I5 to move towards each other. Thus, the effective length of any part of the chain can automatically shorten if necessary, this being of advantage in installations where a run of the chain in one part of the chain loop may be without tension, thereby resulting in irregular positioning of the chain parts in this part of the run or loop, unless the above provision of the automatic shortening of this section of the chain is made.

Attention is directed to the fact that the axes of the wheels I6 on the links M, the axes of the coupling connections l5c-5|, and the horizontal wheels all lie substantially in the same horizontal plane, the axes of wheels I! and links |5 lie substantially in a common vertical plane, and that the line formed by the intersection of these two planes lies substantially in the center of the chain; also that the tension due to operating the chain through the track substantially follows this line along straight track and around curves either vertical or horizontal, due to the guiding effect of the wheels l6, IT. This is advantageous for keeping a properly aligned relation of the parts when traveling, thus eliminating eccentric stresses and friction, resulting in a saving of power in operation. The relatively close spacing between successive pairs of supporting wheels I5 is advantageous for accommodating travel around sharp curves. and such is also true of the relatively close spacing of successive horizontal guide wheels I I, as is clearly illustrated in Figures 2 and 3. The supporting wheels l6 are adapted to have contact with the top wall I la of the trolley track when passing around relatively sharp vertical curves.

Referring now to the modifications illustrated in Figures 9 to 17, inclusive, primed reference numerals indicate like or similar parts that have 51 RUU already been described in connection with the above embodiment of my invention.

In Figures 9 to 12, inclusive, I have illustrated my invention when positioned to operate as a floor surface conveyer. The boxlike supporting track H comprises a bottom wall Hd, vertical side walls He, and inwardly extending top walls Hf forming therebetween a longitudinally extending slot l2. This supporting track is similar to the supporting track shown in Figure 5, in that walls H d, He and H correspond to walls Ha, Ho and Hc, respectively. In the present modifications, the supporting track I! is inverted with reference to the showing of Figures 1 to '7, inclusive, so that the centrally disposed slot l2 extends longitudinally at the top of track H. Wheeled alternate link members H are also inverted, and the wheels 16 thereof will ride along the bottom wall Hd of the tracks. Connecting links l may or may not be inverted, as desired. It will be noted that attachment pins 21 are now disposed above the axle 26' in order that the load attachment members carried thereby may extend upwardly through the slot l2 at the top of the track.

In Figure 9 is illustrated a load-engaging member 58 having a hole 59 of substantially the same diameter as attachment pin 21', and member 58 is secured thereby to the wheeled link unit M. The member 58 projects out through'the slot l2 of the track H, and is provided with two prongs 60 which are adapted to contact the article to be conveyed. These prongs 60 may be arranged so that they will register with a projection on the article to be conveyed. The article will thus be conveyed in the direction of travel of the chain and at the same speed, one of the prongs 60 pulling the article and the other prong preventing it from traveling faster than the chain. The opening between the two prongs is shaped similarly to the portion between two teeth of a common gear and are thus adaptedto engage and disengage the article to be conveyed, at any desired point.

In Figure there is shown a load-engaging member 62 rotatably mounted at 63 about the pin 21'. The member 62 is free to rotate about pin 21' in such manner that it can be utilized for pushing articles in either direction, depending upon the direction in which the chain is traveling. Assuming that the direction of travel of the chain is to the leftv as viewed in the drawings, the member 62 presents a vertical edge 64 for engaging the article to be conveyed. Edge 65 of member 62 will contact connecting link which serves to retain member 62 in the position shown. If the direction of travel of the chain is reverse, i. c., to the right as viewed in the drawings, member 52 can be rotated in a counterclockwise direction so that surface 65 will constitute the vertical edge coming into contact with the article to be conveyed, and edge 64 will engage connecting link 15 to retain the work-engaging member 62 in proper position.

It is frequently found desirable to rotate'an engaging wheel or drum with the conveyer, and to this end I have devised a load-engaging member, illustrated in Figure 11, suitable for this purpose. I provide a load-engaging member 66 having a stem 61 and a base 68 provided with a slot 69 in one end thereof adapted to engage con necting pin 21' and axle 28', by reason of which member 6! is rigidly mounted between the side links I 9' of the chain. Member 66 may also be utilized for conveying purposes if the article to be conveyed is provided with a hole with which stem 81 may engage.

In Figure 12 I have shown a load-engaging member which comprises a readily detachable hook member provided at one end thereof with a hooked portion H suitably formed to engage attachment pin 21. Extending outwardly from hook portion 10 is an arm 12 the end of which is hooked, as at 13. The, hooked end 13 is adapted to engage the article to be'conveyei'as, for -example, a lawnmower may be pulled along on its own wheels when engaged by the hook l3, and with the hook H in engagement with attachment pin 21'.

It is to be understood that each wheeled link, each alternating wheeled link, or any multiple of the same may be provided with attachment pins 21' so that any of the load-carrying members of Figures 9 to 12, inclusive, may be utilized therewith.

Thus far I have described the conveyer of my invention as applied to an overhead conveyer system and as a floor surface conveyer. In the embodiments described the work-engaging members have been disposed in the vertical plane of the conveyer assembly. In many instances it may be desirable to so dispose the load carrying member so that it will extend outwardly from the conveyer track in a horizontal plane thereof. In Figure 14 I have shown the box-like supporting track H positioned on its side Hh. Track II comprises portions Hg, llh and Hi which correspond to portions I la, l lb and I I0 of the embodiment of Figures 1 to 7, respectively, and to portions Hd, He and Hf of the supporting track shown in Figure 13. The supporting track may be mounted in this position either in an overhead relation or along the floor surface, as desired.

The conveyer chain is supported by the single wheel I? of each connecting link and will run along bottom wall H h of the track. The wheels I 6 or the wheeled link units l4 will, in this position of. the chain conveyor, constitute the guide means within the track. In all other respects the conveyer will operate and function in the manner already described.

In Figures 15 to 1'7, inclusive, I have illustrated a modified form of link unit I4" and connecting link l5". Link unit l4" comprises two side plate members l9" each being provided with slot openings 15 in the ends thereof, with enlarged portions 16 disposed inwardly of the ends of slots 15. The slots 15 and enlarged openings 16 constitute substantially a keyhole opening. In all other respects the construction of wheeled link I4" is identical with the construction of the wheeled link member previously described. A pin 11 of substantially the same diameter as opening 16 is formed with slotted portions 18 which are adapted to engage in slots 15 of side plate members IS. The central portion of pin 11 is of such length that it will accorrnodate roller 5|", which is instrumental in connecting the links of the conveyer chain together, as has already been described.

The conveyer chain is assembled by positioning the connecting link l5" at right angles to the side plate l9" so that the guide wheel l1" clears the side plate members I9". With the parts in this position, the enlarged opening 16 may be aligned with the hole in roller 5|", in which position pin 11 may then be inserted. The slotted portions 18 of pin 11 are aligned f r M with slots 15 in the side plate l" so that when the connecting link is brought in longitudinal alignment with the wheeled link I4" the slotted portions 18 will engage slots 15.

The keyhole shaped openings are positioned at a suitable distance from the end of side plate l9" so that when the chain is enclosed within the track the guide wheel ll" will strike the end of side plate l9" before the pin 11 can assume a position in alignment with the enlarged opening 16 of the keyhole slot. It will thus be readily apparent that the key hole shaped openings l5, l6 and the slots 11 in the pins 18 function as interlocking means so that when the chain conveyer is in its normal position within the supporting track the wheeled link and connecting link could not assume a position in which they can come apart.

If it is desired to disassemble the chain conveyer it is first necessary to remove the chain conveyer from the supporting track and position the connecting link at right angles to the link unit I4" in the manner already described.

It will be noted that the pin 11 cannot rotate when the conveyer chain is in position within the supporting track. This is advantageous in order to prevent excessive wear of the slotted holes, which would elongate them and thus lengthen the pitch of the chain.

In order to further provide a chain conveyer construction without the use of cotter pins, I have shown the guide wheel I1" mounted in the connecting link 15" on an improved arrangement of pivot pin 44". The pin 44" is retained in position by an apertured plate 80 having serrations 8| which securely engage the pin 44" to maintain the guide wheel H" in position in the connecting link l5" at all times.

A preferred form of driving mechanism for driving a conveyer of the above construction is disclosed in my copending application, Serial No. 300,546, filed October 21, 1939 and issued January 26, 1943 as Patent No. 2,309,587, although it will be understood that any suitable driving mechanism may be employed.

While I have illustrated and described what I regard to be the preferred embodiment of my invention, nevertheless it will be understood that such is merely exemplary and that numerous modifications and rearrangements may be made therein without departing from the essence of the invention.

I claim:

1. In a conveyer, the combination of a box-like track, and an endless conveyer chain supported for travel along the inside of said track, said chain comprising a series of links having vertically disposed wheels and a series of connecting links having horizontally disposed wheels, the links of one of said series each including a pair of side plate portions and a coupling roller mounted therebetween, and the links of said other series each including a coupling loop interengaging with said coupling roller.

2. In a conveyer, the combination of a boxlike track and an endless conveyer chain supported for travel along the inside of said track, said chain comprising a series of links having vertically disposed wheels and a series of links having horizontally disposed wheels, the links of one of said series each including a pair of side plate portions, said vertical wheels being of a greater height than the vertical dimension or said links, and means provided between said side plate autism! liUUl portions for effecting attachment to and detachment from the conveyer chain of a work engaging member through a longitudinal slot in a wall of said track.

3. In a conveyer, the combination of a box-like supporting track, a traveling endless conveyer chain operating in said track and a load attachment means comprising two relatively movable law members adapted to effect attachment to and detachment from said conveyer chain at a point inside of said track without the necessity of removing the conveyer chain from said track.

4. In a conveyenthe combination of a box-like track, a traveling endless conveyer chain operating inside of said track comprising two series of links coupled together alternately and one of said series having a pair of side plate portions, transverse attachment pins disposed therebebetween, and load attachment means for said links comprising two strap members pivotally connected together for relative scissors movement, the upper ends of said strap members having jaw slots extending inwardly from opposite edges of the straps for embracing said transverse attachment pins.

5. In a conveyer, the combination of a substantially closed track comprising side, top, and bottom walls including a slot extending longitudinally of the track in one or said walls and an endless conveyer chain traveling within said track comprising links having vertically disposed wheels and alternate links having horizontal wheels, one or said alternate links comprising two laterally spaced side plates, an axle extending through said side plates, wheels on said axle being on the outer sides of said side plates, attachment means comprising a transverse pin extending between aid side plates, and a load attachment member pivotally mounted on said transverse pin and extending through the slot in the wall of said track.

6. In a conveyer, the combination of a substantially closed track, and a traveling conveyer chain supported by said track comprising a plurality of wheeled links the axes of which alternate between the vetrical and the horizontal, one of said alternate links comprising two laterally spaced side plates disposed substantially parallel with each other, the other of said wheeled links comprising a loop portion disposed substantially parallel with and between said side plates at the ends of same, and coupling thimbles passing through said loop portions and connected with said side plates, said coupling thimbles being substantially of curved hour-glass form. said coupling thimbles and said loop portions being capable of relative lost motion in a converging direction of the respective links.

7. In a conveyer, the combination of a track, and a traveling conveyer chain supported by said track comprising a plurality of wheeled links and connecting links between said wheeled links, said wheeled links comprising two laterally spaced side plates, an axle extending through said side plates, a pin extending between said side plates for securing a load engaging member thereto, said load engaging member having a slotted end to engage said axle and said pin,.and,an extend- MWP Q W 8. In a conveyer, e combination oftrack and a traveling conveyer chain supported by said track comprising a, plurality of wheeled links and connecting links between said wheeled links, said wheeled links comprising two laterally spaced side plates having keyhole openings spaced in the ends thereof with the enlarged portions of said openings disposed inwardly of said side plates, said connecting links comprising loop por tions disposed substantially at right angles between said side plates at the ends of said wheeled links, coupling members passing through said loop portions and connected with said side plates by pins of substantially the same diameter as the enlarged openings in said side plates, said pins having spaced grooves therein adapted to engage the narrow portions of the keyhole openings of said side plates to connect the wheeled links and connecting links together.

9. In a conveyer, the combination of a track and a traveling conveyer chain supported by said track comprising a plurality of wheeled links and connecting links between said wheeled links, said wheeled links comprising two laterally spaced side plates having keyhole openings spaced in the ends thereof with the enlarged portions of said openings disposed inwardly of said side plates, each of said connecting links being provided with a wheel disposed at right angles to the wheels of said wheeled links, said connecting links comprising loop portions disposed substantially at right angles between said side plates at the ends of said wheeled links, coupling members passing through said loop portions and connected with said side plates by pins having spaced grooves therein engaging the narrow portions of the keyhole openings of said side plates, the wheels of said connecting links preventing said pin from becoming aligned with the enlarged opening of the keyhole openings of the side plates when the conveyer chain is enclosed within the track.

10. In a conveyer, the combination of a substantially closed track comprising side, top, and bottom Walls including a slot extending longitudinally of the track in one of said walls and an endless conveyer chain traveling within said track comprising links having vertically disposed wheels and alternat links having horizontal wheels, one of said alternate links comprising two laterally spaced side plates, an axle extending through said ide plates, wheels on said axle being on the outer sides of said side plates, attachment means comprising a transverse pin extending between said side plates, and a load attachment member extending through said slot in the wall of said track, said attachment member being adapted to be detachably mounted on said pin through the slot.

11. In a conveyer, the combination of a supporting track of substantially rectangular cross section, and a traveling conveyer chain supported by said track comprising a plurality of links each having a pair of vertical wheels, connecting links between said vertical wheel links and guide wheels carried by said connecting links adapted to have guiding engagement with the inside of said track, said vertical wheels being of greater height than the dimension of either of said links, and load attachment means suspended from a point between said vertical wheels.

12. In a conveyer, the combination of a supporting track of generally rectangular cross section substantially closed on three sides and having a load propelling opening extending longitudinally in its fourth side, said track having trackways therein, a conveyer chain travelling lengthwise within said track comprising a series of load propelling links and a series of connectin links coupled together in alternating sequence, a

' pair of laterally spaced vertical supporting wheels supporting each load propelling link, a single horizontal guide wheel mounted substantially centrally on each connecting link for guiding the latter, readily detachable coupling means between adjacent links permitting relative articulation around vertical and horizontal coupling axes between each load propelling link and each connecting link, and also permitting said links to be uncoupled from each other, said coupling means comprising interlocking means for preventing the release of said coupling means until the adjacent load propelling link and connecting link have been brought into a predetermined releasing angle to each other different from the angle they assume when in normal travel through said track. said vertical supporting wheels being of suflicient diameter to have their peripheries project above and below adjacent portions of said links so as to remain in engagement with upper and lower trackways in said track as the conveyer chain travels around vertical curves, said horizontal guide wheels being of sufficient diameter to have their peripheries projecting laterally to each side of adjacent portions of said links so as to remain in engagement with lateral trackways at opposite sides of the track in the travel of the conveyer chain around horizontal curves, the horizontal axes of said supporting wheels and the horizontal axes of said coupling means lying substantially in the same horizontal plane, the vertical axes of said guide wheels and the vertical axes of said coupling means lying substantially in the same vertical plane, said horizontal plane and said vertical plane intersecting each other substantially along the longitudinal medial axis of said track and said conveyer chain, and load propelling means pivotally connected with each load propelling link at a point between its pair of respective supporting wheels and extending outwardly through said load propelling opening in the track.

13. In a conveyer, the combination of a supporting track of generally rectangular cross section substantially closed on three sides and having a load propelling opening extending longitudinally in its fourth side, said track having trackways therein, a conveyer chain travelling lengthwise within said track comprising a series of load propelling links and a series of connecting links coupled together, each of said load propelling links comprising a pair of laterally spaced vertical plates, an axle extending horizontally through said plates, vertical supporting wheels supporting said load propelling links and mounted on said axle outside plates, horizontal guide wheels mounted on and laterally guiding said connecting links, coupling means between adjacent links comprising a, horizontally extending coupling portion on each load propelling link and a vertically extending coupling portion on each connecting link, said coupling portions interengaging to permit relative articulation around vertical and horizontal coupling axes disposed intermediate the horizontal axes of said supporting wheels and the vertical axes of said guide wheels, said vertical supporting wheels having their peripheries projecting above and below adjacent portions of said links so as to remain in engagement with upper and lower trackways in said track in travelling around vertical curves, said horizontal guide wheels having their peripheries projecting laterally to ach side of adjacent portions of said links so as to remain in engagement with lateral trackways at opposite sides of the track in travelling around horizontal curves, the

horizontal axes of said supporting wheels and the horizontal axes of said coupling means lying substantially in the same horizontal plane, the vertical axes of said guide wheels and the vertical axes of said coupling means lying substantially in the same vertical plane, said horizontal plane and said vertical plane intersecting each other substantially along the longitudinal medial axis of said track, and load propelling means connected with said axle of a load propelling link and extending outwardly from between the laterally spaced plates thereof and outwardly through the load propelling opening in the track 14. In a conveyer, the combination of a supporting track of generally rectangular cross section substantially closed on three sides and having a load propelling opening extending longitudinally in its fourth side, a conveyer chain travelling lengthwise within said track comprising a series of load propelling links and a series of connecting links coupled together in altemating sequence, each of said load propelling links comprising a pair of laterally spaced vertically extending plates, an axle extending horizontally through said plates, a pair of vertical supporting wheels mounted on said axle outside said plates for supporting each load propelling link and adapted to engage the fourth side of said track on opposite sides of said load propelling opening, a single horizontal guide wheel mounted on and laterally guiding each connecting link, coupling means between adjacent links permitting relative articulation around vertical and horizontal coupling axes between each load propelling link and each connecting link, the horizontal axes of said supporting wheels and the horizontal axes of said coupling means lying substantially in the same horizontal plane, the vertical axes of said guide wheels and the vertical axes of said coupling means lying substantially in the same vertical plane, said horizontal plane and said vertical plane intersecting each other substantially along the longitudinal medial axis of said conveyer chain, and load propelling means connected with each load propelling link at a point between its pair of laterally spaced plates and its respective supporting wheels and substantially in the vertical axial plane of said wheels, said load propelling means extending outwardly through said load propelling opening in the track.

15. In a conveyer, the combination of a supporting track of generally rectangular cross section substantially closed on three sides and having a load propelling opening extending longitudinally in its fourth side, said track having trackways therein, a conveyer chain travelling lengthwise within said track comprising a series of load propelling links and a series of connecting links coupled together, each of said load propelling links comprising a pair of laterally spaced vertically extending plates, an axle extending substantially horizontally through said plates, vertical supporting wheels mounted on said axle outside of said plates for supporting said load propelling links and adapted to engage said track along opposite margins of said load propelling opening, horizontal guide wheels mounted on and laterally guiding said connecting links, coupling mean between adjacent links comprising coupling members extending substantially horizontally between the laterally spaced plates of said load propelling links and passing through said connecting links, aid coupling means per- UUUi UH mitting relative articulation both vertically and horizontally between said links, said vertical supporting wheels having their peripheries projecting above and below adjacent portions of said links so as to remain in engagement with upper and lower trackways in said track in travelling around vertical curves, said horizontal guide wheels having their peripheries projecting laterally to each side of adjacent portions of said links so as to remain in engagement with lateral trackways at opposite sides of the track in travelling around horizontal curves, and load propelling means suspended from a point between said vertical supporting wheels and hanging downwardly through the load propelling opening in the track.

16. In a conveyer, the combination of a boxlike track, and an endless conveyer chain travelling inside of said track, said chain comprising a plurality of load propelling links and a plurality of connecting links coupled together, a pair of laterally spaced vertical supporting wheels supporting each load propelling link, horizontal guide wheels mounted on and guiding said connecting links, and coupling means permitting relative articulation between adjoining links, said coupling means comprising interengaging coupling members on said load propelling links and on said connecting links capable of longitudinal lost motion for permitting relative endwise movement between said links tending to shorten and lengthen the effective length of the conveyer chain, the coupling member on said connecting link being disposed in a substantially vertical plane and being movable back and forth between the pair of vertical supporting wheels on said load propelling link in such relative endwise movement.

17. In a conveyer, the combination of a boxlike supporting track, a travelling endless conveyer chain operating in said track, and a load attachment device for engaging said chain, said device comprising two jaw members operable by relative movement therebetween to efiect attachment to and detachment from said conveyer chain at a point inside of said track without the necessity of removing the conveyer chain from said track.

18. In a conveyer, the combination of a supporting track of generally ractangular cros section, a conveyer chain travelling lengthwise within said track comprising a series of load propelling links and a series of connecting links coupled together, each of said load propelling links comprising a pair of laterally spaced vertically extending plates and horizontal coupling members extending transversely between the end portions of said plates, said plates and said coupling members defining a horizontal loop, an axle extending horizontally through the laterally spaced plates of said horizonta loop, vertical wheels on said axle on the outer sides of said plates, each of said connecting linlfll being of loop formation with the loop disposed vertically, a pivot pin extending vertically through the upper and lower arms of said vertical loop, a horizontal guide wheel mounted on said pivot pin between the upper and lower arms of said vertical loop, and a load propelling member connected with one of said load propelling links.

19. In a conveyer, the combination of a supporting track of generally rectangular cross section, a conveyer chain travelling lengthwise within said track comprising a series of load propelling links and aseries of connecting links coupled together, each of said load propelling links comprising a pair of laterally spaced vertically extending plates having horizontal coupling members extending between the ends of said plates and defining horizontal loop, an axle extending horizontally through the laterally spaced plates of said horizontal loop, vertical wheels on said axle on the outer sides of said plates, each of said connecting links being of loop formation with the loop disposed vertically, a pivot pin extending vertically through the upper and lower arms of said vertical loop, a horizontal guide wheel mounted on said pivot pin between the upper and lower arms of said vertical loop, and a load propelling member pivotally connected with one of said load propelling links at a point between the side plates of the horizontal loop of said load propelling link and approximately in the vertical axial plane of the supporting wheels of said loop.

20. In a conveyer, the combination of a supporting track of ubstantially rectangular cross section, a conveyer chain travelling lengthwise within said track comprising a series of vertically guided links and a series of horizontally guided links coupled together, each of said vertically guided links being of loop formation with the loop disposed horizontally, an axle extending horizontally through the side arms of said horizontal loop, a pair of vertical guide wheels mounted on said axle on the outer sides of said arms, each of said horizontally guided links being of loop formation with the loop disposed vertically, a pivot pin extending vertically in the upper and lower arms of said vertical loop, a horizontal guide wheel monuted on said pivot pin between the upper and lower arms of said vertical loop, and releasable interengaging coupling portions on said links permitting relative articulation therebetween at points intermediate the axes of said vertical guide wheels and the axes of said horizontal guide wheels, said coupling portions comprising interlocking means for preventing the release of the coupling portions of adjacent links until said adjacent links are at a predetermined angle to each other.

21. In a conveyer, the combination of a supporting track of substantially rectangular cross section, a conveyer chain travelling lengthwise within said track comprising a series of vertically guided links and a series of horizontally guided links coupled together, each of said vertically guided links being of loop formation with the loop disposed horizontally, an axle extending horizontally through the side arms of said horizontal loop, a pair of vertical guide wheels mounted on said axle on the outer sides of said arms, each of said horizontally guided links being of loop formation with the loop disposed vertically, a pivot in extending vertically in the upper and lower arms of said vertical loop, a horizontal guide wheel mounted on said pivot pin between the upper and lower arms of said vertical loop, releasabl interengaging coupling portions on said links permitting relative articulation between said links around vertical and horizontal coupling axes disposed intermediate the horizontal axes of said vertical guide wheels and the vertical axes of said horizontal guide wheels, said coupling portions comprising interlocking means for preventing the release of said coupling portions of adjacent links until said adjacent links have been moved to a predetermined releasing angle relatively to each other different from the angle they assume when in normal travel within said track and load attachment means having its upper end extending into the space between the side arms of the horizontal loop of one of said vertically guided links and having pivotal mounting on a horizontal pivot axis disposed substantially in the vertical axial plane of said vertical guide wheels, the lower end of said load attachment means hanging down through a slot in the bottom wall of said track.

22. In a conveyer, the combination of a track and a travelling conveyer chain supported by said track comprising a plurality of wheeled links and connecting links between said wheeled links, vertical wheels supporting said wheeled links and horizontal wheels guiding said connecting links, and releasable coupling means coupling one of said wheeled links with one of said connecting links, said releasable coupling means comprising a keyhole slot in one of said links, a coupling pin associated with the other of said links and normally engaging in the small end of said keyhole slot while the conveyer chain is in operation, said coupling pin being releasable from said keyhole slot only when in the large end thereof, and means for preventing said coupling pin being moved into the large end of said slot until one of said links has been moved into predetermined angular relation to the other link.

23. In a conveyer, the combination of a track and a travelling conveyer chain supported by said track comprising a series of load propelling links and a series of connecting links, vertical wheels pivoted to one of said series of links and horizontal wheels pivoted to the other of said series of links, and coupling means cooperating with said link comprising a keyhole slot in one of said links, and a releasable coupling pin connected with an adjacent link and engaging in said keyhole slot, said keyhole slot having its small end extending toward the outer end of its respective link whereby driving tension in the conveyer chain retains said coupling pin in the small end of said slot, said pin being releasable from said slot only when shifted inwardly to the large end of said slot.

24. In a conveyer, the combination of a supporting track of generally rectangular cross section substantially closed along its top and two side walls and having a, load propelling slot extending longitudinally of its bottom wall, a conveyer chain travelling lengthwise within said track comprising a series of load propelling links and a series of connecting links coupled together in alternating sequence, each of said load propelling links comprising a pair of laterally spaced vertically extending side members, an axle extending horizontally through said side members, a pair of vertical supporting wheels mounted on said axle outside of said side members and adapted to roll along the bottom wall of said track on opposite sides of said load propelling slot for supporting each of load propelling links, horizontal guide wheels carried by said connecting links and adapted to bear against the side walls of said track for laterally guiding said connecting links, coupling means between adjacent links permitting relative articulation both vertically and horizontally between said links, and load propelling means connected with each load propelling link between its pair of laterally spaced side members and substantially in the vertical axial plane of said vertical supporting wheels and extending 1:125. t'UNVtYERS POWER DRIVEN eearcn 1106? and a series of connecting links coupled together in alternating sequence, each of said load propelling links comprising a pair of laterally spaced vertically extending side plates, an axle extending horizontally through said side plates, a pair of vertical supporting wheels mounted on said 15 axle outside of said side plates and adapted to roll along the bottom wall of said track on opposite sides 01' said load propelling slot for supporting each load propelling link, horizontal guide wheels carried by said connecting link and adapted to bear against the side walls of said track for laterally guiding said connecting links, coupling means between adjacent links permitting relative articulation around vertical and horizontal coupling axes between each load propelling link and each connecting link, said vertical and horizontal coupling axes being disposed intermediate the substantially horizontal axes of said vertical supporting wheels and the substantially vertical axes of said horizontal guide wheels, and load propelling means connected with each load propelling link between its pair of laterally spaced side plates and substantially in the vertical axial plane of said vertical supporting wheels and extending downwardly through said load propelling slot in the bottom-wall of said track.

PAUL M. HASSLER. 

